Reference no: EM133318060

1. Kant and Lying

Discuss one overall advantage (pro) and one overall disadvantage (con) to using Kant's rigid, extreme and absolutist theory about lying when confronted with a situation in which you have to decide whether to lie or tell the truth.

2. Utilitarianism

a. If you were to try to explain the theory of utilitarianism to your 8 year old niece, what would you say? Discuss

b. Utilitarian Ethical Theory claims that the right and moral thing to do is always what you think will produce the best consequences for the majority. "Best consequences" is defined as happiness for the greatest number of people. Of the list below of criticisms of Utilitarianism, select the one you most agree with and discuss.

Criticisms:

Utilitarianism depends upon your assessment of the future (the future happiness of the majority)

Utilitarianism demands too much of us (it's possible that doing what is best for the majority might not benefit us individually)

For utilitarians, happiness is everything, but is this necessarily true? Is it everything or are there other factors which should also be considered? What other factors should be considered and why?

Happiness can come from many sources including from cruel or violent actions.

3. Ethical Egoism

a. Discuss your overall opinion of the theory of ethical egoism. Remember that ethical egoism claims we should always derive a benefit and never a detriment when interacting with others in the world.

b. To what extent do you live your life as an ethical egoist and to what extent do you extend generosity and help to others without self interest as a motivating force. In other words, what kinds of general situations would make you step out of acting exclusively in your own interests?